Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Sue Gray, will not be attending the Labour Party conference this year due to internal issues over her pay. Instead, she will be working in Downing Street on government business and preparing for the United Nations General Assembly conference next week. Ms. Gray, who previously contributed to the downfall of Boris Johnson with her report on parties at Downing Street during the pandemic, is now facing hostile briefings as the Labour Party gathers for its annual conference in Liverpool.
Meanwhile, in Martinique, thousands of people defied the government’s ban on protests and curfew by taking to the streets following violent demonstrations last week. The situation remains tense as the public continues to push back against the restrictions imposed by authorities.
In South Africa, police arrested a woman at OR Tambo Airport who was found to have swallowed over 60 suspected cocaine bullets. The suspect, a 30-year-old female from Namibia who arrived in South Africa from Sao Paulo, Brazil, was taken to a local hospital where she was given medication to release the drugs from her body. The total value of the seized drugs is yet to be determined as the investigation is ongoing.
Analysts in Hong Kong are warning that lower interest rates will make it harder for residents to build a substantial retirement portfolio of over HK$20 million. The new cycle of lower rates poses a challenge for individuals looking to secure their financial future, with the ideal portfolio including a self-owned, mortgage-free home, a reserve for medical costs, and funds to support children.
On a lighter note, actor Jamie Foxx recently walked his eldest daughter, Corinne, down the aisle at her wedding to TV executive Joe Hooten. The intimate ceremony was celebrated with love and respect, as captured in photos shared by Foxx’s former co-star Garcelle Beauvais on Instagram.
Overall, these diverse stories highlight the range of events happening around the world, from political controversies to personal celebrations. As different communities navigate challenges and milestones, the news continues to reflect the complexities of our global society.